Gang-related gunshots ring out in Gateway

Playing ‘possum’ didn’t stop the suspect from being arrested – but see why, amazingly, he’s already out of jail …

Gunfire brings police to this outer East Portland street, near the Gateway Transit Center, in the Hazelwood neighborhood.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

After neighbors called the 9-1-1 Center to report hearing gunshots on NE 99th Avenue, between the Gateway Transit Center and the back of the Fred Meyer store, at about 11:00 p.m. on April 17, Portland Police Bureau (PPB) patrol cars rolled into the area.

“Multiple callers provided a description and the last known location of the possible suspect in this shooting, as officers searched the area,” reported PPB Public Information Officer Sgt. Chris Burley.

Instead of finding shooting victims, officers spotted a man, lying in NE 99th Avenue, near Multnomah Street, about two blocks north of the originally-reported location.

An ambulance takes away the man who was found in the street, for medical evaluation.

“The man lying on the roadway matched the suspect’s description as provided by witnesses,” Burley said.

Thinking the man, in his 40s, was possibly the victim, officers called for medical personnel to assess him for possible injuries.

“Emergency medical personnel arrived, provided the man medical aid, and transported him to an area hospital by ambulance for a minor injury,” Burley said, but he added that paramedics found no evidence of gunshot injuries.

East Precinct officers, along with members of the PPB Gang Enforcement Team, find this firearm near where they found the “victim” – who then quickly became a suspect. PPB provided image

The PPB Gang Enforcement Team responded to lead the investigation. “As officers canvassed the immediate area where the man was located, a firearm with a high capacity magazine was located and seized,” Burley said.

Officers did find evidence of gunfire at the original location of the call, but didn’t see any property damage.

“Based on information learned during the investigation, officers believe the suspect fired multiple rounds from the firearm that was recovered at the scene – and at some point fell to the ground, and remained on the ground, until officers arrived at the scene,” Burley said.

Although his jail stay was brief, 43-year-old Jeuan J. Marks is supposed to appear in court to answer to three Felony charges. MCDC booking photo

The suspect’s stay in the hospital was brief. 43-year-old Jeuan J. Marks was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center at 4:14 a.m. on April 18 on the charges of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Possession of Methamphetamine.

At his arraignment – although he was charged with three Felonies – a Multnomah County Court judge set Marks free, assessing no bail. Release reason given: “Pre-Trial Supervision Program”.

Anyone with information, including surveillance footage, of this shooting should contact Gang Enforcement Team investigators at 503-823-4106.

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